Browns rumor: NFL GM disputes that Cleveland is taking Baker Mayfield

In the days leading to the 2018 NFL Draft, there has been a growing buzz around the organization around what the Cleveland Browns will do with the first overall pick. On Thursday, it was reported that they'd take Baker Mayfield, but one NFL GM disputes that.

In the days leading to the 2018 NFL Draft, there has been a growing buzz around the organization around what the Cleveland Browns will do with the first overall pick. The only consensus at this point is that the team will take a quarterback at the top selection.

Things have ramped up on this end over the last couple of days, seeing Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield steadily rise up the draft board to now being considered a serious possibility to be the first player to have his name called. However, Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network has since disputed that notion of Mayfield being locked in as the top overall pick.

Rapoport just said on NFL Network, "I just talked to another GM who's known John Dorsey well, and he said, 'he's not taking Mayfield. I know that's false.'"

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) April 26, 2018

I did say this. The point was, even with clear buzz between the #Browns and Mayfield, other GMs are kinda like: 1. Yeah, we’ll see or 2. No way Dorsey takes him.

3 hours to go. https://t.co/ka3RNzCcgS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2018

All of this discussion had seen former USC quarterback Sam Darnold seemingly fall out of the conversation over the last couple of days. He had been long viewed as the likely first overall selection by the Browns given that he is regarded as the safest talent at the quarterback position. Darnold has also demonstrated a strong, accurate arm that has allowed for him to be able to make all the throws that will be necessary at the next level.

He has also displayed that he can lead a team to success with his arm while playing with much poise in the pocket under pressure. There have been questions about his decision making and ball security, but these issues are seen as fixable attributes that he can amend at the next level with the proper coaching and experience on the field.

This latest development does at least keep it a mystery as to what the Browns will do with the selection. General manager John Dorsey has been quite secretive with the process in terms of what direction the team is leaning in with the first overall pick. All of this could set the table for what should be a highly entertaining first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.